Formula One returns to ERT in Greece

Greek public-service broadcaster ERT has agreed a three-season deal for free-to-air rights to the Formula One motor racing championship.

The deal will commence with the 2016 F1 season, which starts this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, and runs until the end of the 2018 campaign.

The non-exclusive rights deal with ERT, which last broadcast F1 in Greece in 2013, succeeds a two-year cycle by commercial broadcaster Alpha TV. The rights package includes live broadcast of all races, with the exception of four events that will be broadcast in the early morning in Greece. Pre-race shows and qualifying highlights are also included in the deal.

OTE holds the pay-television rights to F1 in Greece and broadcasts all races live, along with practice and qualifying sessions.

The deal was brokered by the Asset OgilvyEntertainment agency, which has partnered with Formula One since 2010 and markets rights in the territories of Greece, Albania, Cyprus and Macedonia.